New bird shaped UAS

SHEPHERD-MIL, a UAV with different applications for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions will be featured along with other products and systems at the exhibition.

EXPAL will participate in HOMSEC 2013, displaying some of its most innovative solutions in the security area. Among

other products,

SHEPHERD-MIL, an UAV which looks like a native bird with the same flight performance, will be featured. This UAV is characterized by the glide-ratio and noiseless motor that make it invisible, silent and unobtrusive in sensitive missions. SHEPHERD-MIL was initially developed as a bird strike avoidance system, and currently is used in situations where the safety and protection are key.

SHEPHERD-MIL is equipped with cameras and geolocation software. The system is especially suitable for border surveillance missions, firefighting, and anti-drug trafficking operations amongst others. Furthermore, EXPAL has adapted and integrated the SHEPHERD-MIL into its Fire Support System (TECHFIRE), transforming the SHEPHERD-MIL into a specific version, Unmanned Forward Observer (UFO-UAV) that functions as a complement for the forward observer.

I find this of interest in that SHEPHERD-MIL wants to go with this style of engineering. We have looked at, and worked with systems for wildlife research, and the impact (disturbance) on study subjects by research activity.

In the work we have been able to "test" with different systems, we have seen no disturbance factors (as of yet). Now, before you think I am off the "train of thought", this goes to the issue above. SHEPHERD-MIL is developing these "birds" so people do not notice, but people are subject to have their attention drawn to animal interaction when a birds mob other birds. So now you design a UAV like a bird (and in the picture it looks like a raptor), and other birds key on flight profiles.

As you watch a turkey vulture fly over and other birds care-less, yet a bald / golden eagle flies over and birds get vocal, fly at them, stoop on them, or mob them. i know a raptor looks cool, but a vulture, crane, or some other profile would be the way to go.....not a "hawk" body.

Cheers, Byron

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Gary Mortimer April 13, 2013 at 10:10pm

I think is was originally designed to scare birds on airfields.
bcrow April 13, 2013 at 6:55pm

Soaring birds (not to be confused with gliding), and of these I am speaking of raptors, since that is what the system seems to be modeled after, vultures soar for hours. Hawks do not soar to the extent that vultures do.

I could bore you with all the data, but in reference to the article written, I guess a "hawk" is more impressive as a bird of prey than, say, and Andean condor to sell a system to the military.

As a raptor biologist / falconer I know nothing about cranes, but I know that in raptors, vultures are the masters of soaring, that is their movement....

Cheers, Byron
bcrow April 13, 2013 at 1:50pm

I find this of interest in that SHEPHERD-MIL wants to go with this style of engineering. We have looked at, and worked with systems for wildlife research, and the impact (disturbance) on study subjects by research activity.

In the work we have been able to "test" with different systems, we have seen no disturbance factors (as of yet). Now, before you think I am off the "train of thought", this goes to the issue above. SHEPHERD-MIL is developing these "birds" so people do not notice, but people are subject to have their attention drawn to animal interaction when a birds mob other birds. So now you design a UAV like a bird (and in the picture it looks like a raptor), and other birds key on flight profiles.

As you watch a turkey vulture fly over and other birds care-less, yet a bald / golden eagle flies over and birds get vocal, fly at them, stoop on them, or mob them. i know a raptor looks cool, but a vulture, crane, or some other profile would be the way to go.....not a "hawk" body.

Cheers, Byron

This reply was deleted.